Gloss vs Toner vs Color: What Do You Actually Need?
If you’ve ever left a salon wondering what exactly went on your hair—or stared blankly at a menu of services—this blog is for you. At Studio Be Salon, we believe in educating our guests so they feel confident about every appointment. Let’s break down three common (and often confused) salon services: gloss, toner, and color.
🌈 What is a Hair Gloss?
A gloss is a sheer, shine-enhancing treatment that can be clear or tinted. Think of it as lip gloss for your hair—it adds reflective shine, enhances tone, and smooths the cuticle for a silky finish.
✔️ Best for:
-
Refreshing faded color or highlights
-
Enhancing shine between color services
-
Smoothing frizz and improving manageability
-
Toning blondes without commitment
⏰ Lasts:
About 4–6 weeks depending on at-home care and washing frequency.
🎨 What is a Toner?
A toner is a type of gloss used after lightening (like highlights or balayage) to refine the final color. Toners neutralize unwanted tones—like brassiness or yellow—and help you reach your desired shade.
✔️ Best for:
-
Blondes needing to cancel out yellow/brassy tones
-
Highlighted brunettes seeking a more natural blend
-
Cooling down or warming up blonde or light brown shades
🔍 Pro Tip:
Toners are often used in-salon only immediately after a lightening service, and may need to be reapplied every 4–6 weeks to maintain tone.
🖌️ What is Hair Color?
This is your all-over permanent or semi-permanent color—used for full gray coverage, color changes, root retouches, or dramatic transformations. Color lifts or deposits pigment to change your hair’s tone and depth.
✔️ Best for:
-
Covering gray hair
-
Going darker or lighter
-
Changing your overall shade
-
Root touch-ups or maintaining solid color
✨ NEW: Save on Color with Our Root Color Membership
If you regularly come in for root touch-ups or base color, our new Root Color Membership is for you. For just $95/month, you’ll receive:
-
Your monthly root or base color service
-
20% off all glosses, toners, and deep nourishing treatments in our luxurious Wash House
-
Priority booking and color plan support from your favorite stylist
- Retail discounts
It’s the best way to keep your color fresh and glowing—without the guesswork or gaps between visits. Learn more HERE.
💡 So, Which One Do You Need?
-
You love your color but it looks dull? → Gloss
-
You’re blonde and looking brassy? → Toner
-
You’re ready for a new shade or gray coverage? → Color
Not sure? That’s what your Studio Be Salon stylist is here for. We’ll evaluate your goals, current tone, and hair condition to recommend the perfect service—whether it’s shine-boosting or full-on transformation.
🎯 Let’s Customize Your Color Plan
No two heads of hair are the same. That’s why every color service at Studio Be Salon starts with a personalized consultation. Whether you’re new to color or maintaining your signature look, our expert stylists will help you glow confidently—every step of the way.
📅 Book your appointment or ask about the Root Color Membership at any Studio Be Salon location in Colorado.